A glass ‘farmhouse’ rises on a woodsy island

Sitting on a hillside on Whidbey Island, off the coast of Seattle, this multi-generational retreat is tucked into a wooded corner of the family farm, almost hidden from view from the road.

Mwworks Architects designed the house as a series of mostly one-story boxes that weave in and out of trees. “Each building wing was carefully situated to preserve as many significant trees as possible,” the architects say.

Kevin Scott

The result—a slightly disjointed layout—feels spacious yet attuned to privacy. The main communal spaces stretch onto a large covered deck that feels like an extension of the living room. Another wing that sits perpendicular to the living area contains a guest suite, the master bedroom, and an office; meanwhile, another separate structure houses a room of bunkbeds and more space for guests.

The owners wanted the home to feel like a natural extension of its forested surroundings, which led to the use of an assortment of textures, including weathered wood, black steel accents, and plaster walls.

“The house strives to be warm and rustic yet simple, clean, and open,” says Steve Mongillo, a principal at Mwworks. “[It’s] a house that honors both the timelessness of the forest and agricultural heritage of the site.”

Kevin Scott

Kevin Scott

Kevin Scott

Kevin Scott

Kevin Scott